photo The LCC group in Lambeth played a strong role in influencing the borough's zone one improvements

Strong lobbying and volunteer activity by the LCC local group in Lambeth has influenced key spending decisions for the zone one Cycle Hire Scheme infrastructure improvements.

Lambeth Cyclists took advantage of the tight schedule for improvements by presenting Lambeth Council with a comprehensive list of potential improvements based on on-the-road investigation.

The list has been adopted almost in its entireity, with a further £200,000 being earmarked for extra cycle training to coincide with the introduction of the Cycle Hire Scheme.

On-road expertise dictated improvementsLuke Evans, spokesperson for Lambeth Cyclists, said, "One hot afternoon in June several of us cycled around the areas taking detailed notes on locations we felt were significant for improving the cycling experience around Vauxhall, the Oval and Waterloo.

"We know even local residents have problems dealing with all the one-way streets around there."

Lambeth Cyclists proposals include switching many streets back to two-way for cyclists.

Richard Ambler, Lambeth Councils cycle projects officer, said, "These changes could become a blueprint for similar treatments across the borough."

Evans said, "This is a good step forward, and we look forward to when the Cycle Hire Scheme is extended southwards so the majority of the borough can benefit from it and the associated improvements to our streets."

Lack of strategic direction to improvementsLCC chief executive Koy Thomson said, "There are some good things happening at the local level, and well done to Lambeth Cyclists, but it's a shame there hasn't been the kind of strategic direction from the mayor that these improvements would benefit from.